The National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve recognizes employers who practice leadership and personnel policies that support employee participation. Perrino received a certificate from ESGR based on Kearney’s nomination.

According to Kearney, Perrino supported him each time he was deployed, whether for three weeks or three months. Having her support relieved a lot of the pressure regarding his pay status and his ability to meet financial obligations while away. His last deployment was in support of hurricane relief in Sept. 2008.

“I had just been promoted to a department manager so I had concerns about being out of work while still learning my new position,” Kearney said. “My last activation was for three weeks and I was able to keep in contact with my operation manager and the managers that report to me.”

Perrino’s support included providing an acting manager for Kearney’s department while he was on military service, sending pertinent e-mails relevant to his programs and his employees, and briefing him on any events that happened during his absence.

Kearney was a Command Post Controller with a variety of duties. His unit deployed two H-60 helicopters and crews, pararescue jumpers (PJs) and maintenance personnel to Mississippi. They also performed search and rescue missions in Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas. It was the TEFRA manager’s job to keep track of the missions and assets and immediately report that information to commanders.

“I would encourage other managers to do whatever they can to ensure their deployed employees do not feel guilty or at a disadvantage for doing a service that benefits our entire nation,” Perrino said. “I would also encourage them to remember to thank their employees and acknowledge their contribution in the workplace.”